Tag: 3BL

Originally published on HARMAN News Center

In April, the world celebrated people who make our communities different, similar and vibrant in recognition of Diversity Month. At HARMAN, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are built into our core values, driven from the top, and embedded within our day-to-day operations and culture. People from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences choose to work with us, and we truly believe that diversity spurs creative thinking and innovative results. When people feel supported, appreciated and empowered to bring new ideas to the table, we all benefit.

But, we know there is still work to be done to ensure we create an organization and a workplace that cultivates a global and diverse culture. We at HARMAN have set specific DE&I ambitions and remain committed to sharing our progress, demonstrating improvement, and advancing a more equitable and inclusive team. Read on to learn more about our specific initiatives and programs designed to foster a culture of acceptance and belonging:

DE&I Learning Journey 2.0: The journey of learning is never-ending – it’s a continual process with something new to learn every day. With this in mind, HARMAN’s DE&I team, in partnership with the HARMAN University Leadership Academy, are ensuring our employees have access to great programs and curricula designed to help them understand foundational DE&I concepts and promote a culture of inclusion. The aim is to expand our conversations around diversity and inclusion by branching into topics of acting inclusively, racial and ethnic bias, and more. Trainings are organized in three different learning tracks: HR/Talent Acquisition Track, Leadership Track and Employee/Ambassador Track. Everyone plays a role in building an inclusive culture at HARMAN and it starts with our employees. 
 Employee Resource Groups: At HARMAN, our people are surely our greatest asset and we’re working hard to ensure that everyone at our organization is comfortable, supported and excited to bring their best, fullest selves to work every day.. With the help from our Employee Resource Groups, our employees help make our DE&I journey a reality.The HARMAN Women’s Network (HWN) is our largest global Employee Resource Group and provides a valuable roadmap for helping close the gender gap, from hosting panel discussions focused on encouraging equity and how to take action to drive gender parity to partnering with non-profit and mentoring organizations to help support the next generation of female leaders.HARMAN Pride is our newest ERG and employees seek to collaborate with HARMAN leaders and employees to offer learning resources, foster awareness, and identify allies to support our LGBTQ+ community at HARMAN to ensure we are building a safe environment where everyone can bring their whole self to work. There are currently several chapters being established in the US, Mexico, India and Europe.The HARMAN Black Professionals Network, creates an environment that elevates the contributions and achievements of Black employees by introducing and executing programs, activities, and unique solutions devoted to the development, representation, and career progression of Black talent through opportunities like mentorship programs and company activities around Juneteenth.Additionally, we have two more ERGs that a scheduled to be established this year that focus on Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage and Caregivers. We can’t wait to share more about those when they are officially established. 
 Employee-Led Activism: With more than 30,000 global employees, diversity is a reality for all of us at HARMAN. Our Executive DE&I Council is responsible for our extensive annual programming, which regularly features panel discussions, open forums, DE&I Summits, and live events for all employees to share their experiences and insights as well as celebrate key touchpoints including Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Black History Month, Pride Month, and more.​​

Diversity, equity, and inclusion touch so much of the work we do. Our Executive DE&I Council is focused on executing our vision and establishing new standards that support DE&I across our organization. As a result, we have set specific goals to increase representation of minority groups and promote a culture of inclusion by offering DE&I trainings, events, and Employee Resource Group meetings throughout the year. For more information about our DE&I commitment and initiatives, visit: https://www.harman.com/career/diversity

SWORDS, Ireland, May 11, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator, has released a first look at its Net-Zero Roadmap to decarbonize across its entire value chain by 2050. In 2022, Trane Technologies became the first in its industry – and one of the first companies in the world – to have its net-zero carbon emissions targets approved by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

Trane Technologies’ Net-Zero Roadmap and the company’s advancements toward its 2030 Sustainability Commitments are included in its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report: Ambition. Action. Impact.

“Sustainability is core to our strategy, and its success shows in our superior financial performance,” said Dave Regnery, chair and CEO of Trane Technologies. “Our relentless focus on innovation accelerates the decarbonization of buildings, industry, and the cold chain. The result is superior value creation for our team, customers, shareholders, and the planet.”

Trane Technologies continues to set the precedent for industry-leading sustainability and transparency with its Net-Zero Roadmap. The transition plan outlines the steps the company is taking to achieve its SBTi-validated net-zero carbon target. Actions include expanding the use of renewable energy at its facilities, increasing efficiency across its operations, transitioning to low-global warming potential refrigerants, electrifying its fleet of vehicles, accelerating the electrification of heating and cooling through innovative technologies and solutions, and more.

“Trane Technologies was an early leader in decarbonizing its business,” said Glenn Prickett, President & CEO of the World Environment Center. “We are thrilled to see the company take the lead again in laying out a concrete roadmap to achieve their net-zero ambition. Other global companies would do well to follow Trane Technologies’ lead.”

Notable advancements made in 2022 toward Trane Technologies’ 2030 Sustainability Commitments (all as compared to 2019 baseline):

Gigaton Challenge: Reduced 93 million metric tons of carbon – equivalent to the emissions generated from 10.3 billion gallons of gasoline – from customers’ emissions, toward the Gigaton Challenge – a pledge to reduce one billion metric tons of carbon from emissions by 2030.Carbon Neutrality Progress: Reduced operational (Scope 1 and 2) emissions by 31%, on track toward reaching science-based target of 50% reduction by 2030 and goal of achieving carbon neutral operations across the company’s footprint.Water and Waste Reductions: Reduced water usage by 22% at facilities in water-stressed regions and achieved zero waste to landfill at 82% of global manufacturing sites.Gender Parity Advancements: Increased women in leadership positions by 3.1 percentage points.

In 2022, a series of prominent awards, ratings and listings recognized Trane Technologies for its industry-leading sustainability performance and company culture:

Dow Jones Sustainability Index (listed for 12 consecutive years)Just Capital’s JUST 100 List (ranked 1st in Buildings Materials & Construction industry)CDP ‘A’ List (named among top 2% of companies)Forbes’ World’s Best EmployersFortune’s World’s Most Admired CompaniesFortune’s Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & ProductionReuters 2022 Responsible Business Awards Finalist – Sustainability Trailblazer AwardFinancial Times “European Climate Leaders 2022”Military Times Best Employers for VeteransHuman Rights Campaign – Corporate Equality IndexThe Irish Times Top 1,000 Companies

To read the full report, visit tranetechnologies.com/esg.

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About Trane Technologies 
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. Visit tranetechnologies.com.

This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of securities laws, which are statements that are not historical facts, including statements that relate to our decarbonization initiatives, performance targets, and our other sustainability commitments and the impact of these commitments. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Factors that could cause such differences can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as well as our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

KeyBank’s Key4Women chapter in Rochester recently donated hygiene products to Bethany House. This organization provides temporary housing, assistance and support to women and children in Rochester, NY afflicted with homelessness and instability from domestic violence, incarceration, addiction, mental health, physical illness, or poverty.

For International Women’s Month, Key4Women members worked with KeyBank teammates to collect items from clients in KeyBank’s branches in the Rochester market as well as employees, and members of the Rochester Chapter of the Women Presidents Organization. The month-long effort resulted in the donation of boxes and bags full of materials that will be used by clients at Bethany House.

Since 2005, Key4Women has been supporting the financial progress and empowerment of business women through advocacy, connections and empowerment. KeyBank provides opportunities for and encourages teammates to dedicate their time and talent to serve others, brighten lives and transform communities for the better in meaningful ways.

Learn more about KeyBank’s commitment to helping clients and communities thrive

EMERYVILLE, Calif., May 11, 2023 /3BL Media/ – SCS Global Services, a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, and testing, today announced the launch of a new Recycled Content certification for the electrical and electronic equipment industries. The certification assessment will generate a product-level claim by verifying the total percentage of recycled materials in these products.

The third-party certification program is built around SCS-103A, a new Annex to supplement the popular SCS-103 Certification Standard for Recycled Content. The Annex was published by SCS Standards, the non-profit affiliate standard-setting body for SCS Global Services, based on a multi-stakeholder process involving industry and NGO representatives, including Amazon, the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners, De’Longhi, Dell Technologies, The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, HP, Microsoft, Logitech, Phillips, The Recycling Partnership, and Stanford Health Care.

The Annex was developed to hold products to a high level of rigor, bringing a focus on continuous improvement and promoting increased recycled material use to drive positive impact in the industry. To achieve certification, products must contain more than one recycled material input and meet minimum thresholds by product category, thus promoting the use of more and varied recycled materials. Recycling such materials generally uses less energy during production, preserves more natural resources, reduces waste sent to landfills, and encourages innovation and improvement in material recycling processes.

“The development of this new certification standard for electrical and electronic equipment will be a significant advancement for transparently communicating recycled content in electronics to customers and driving momentum for circular design as well as innovation in recycling collection and processing for these types of materials,” said Kate Daly, Managing Director of Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy.

SCS Global Services’ vice president of Environmental Certification Services, Nicole Munoz, said, “We’ve been certifying suppliers of recycled inputs in complex product categories for more than three decades. Under this new certification program for the electrical and electronic equipment industry, we’ll be setting baselines for total recycled content by product type and recycled material inputs. This will create an opportunity for brands to communicate how they are implementing their corporate goals for production and supply chains, and set the stage for continuous improvement.” 

Companies wishing to certify the recycled materials in their products in accordance with SCS-103A can find more information here.

READ MORE

About SCS Global Services 

SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. For more information, visit www.scsglobalservices.com.

About SCS Standards 

SCS Standards is a non-profit organization committed to the development of standards that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Standards are developed in alignment with best practices and guidelines provided by internationally recognized bodies to ensure a robust, transparent and collaborative approach. SCS Standards is an affiliate of Scientific Certification Systems, Inc., and is its official standards development body. For more information, visit www.scsstandards.org.

Media Contact 
Karen Righthand 
krighthand@scsglobalservices.com

Last week Tapestry hosted the second Latina History Day in New York City at the company’s Hudson Yards headquarters. We welcomed over 100 Latinx/e leaders from the private and public sector. This year’s event was particularly notable as HOPE, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to ensuring political and economic parity for Latinas through leadership, advocacy, and education to benefit all communities and the status of women, announced the release of Economic Status of Latinas report which was, in part, funded by the Tapestry Foundation.

The report lays out how Latinas in New York State are faring, and the conditions that impact their ability to thrive economically as the COVID-19 pandemic emergency comes to a close while its effects linger and the nation hovers on the brink of a recession. The findings illustrate how deeply Latinas suffered and adapted during the early parts of the pandemic. Latina professionals offer a more intimate look into how they are overcoming barriers to their success and their hopes for their future as they deal with inflation in the post-pandemic recovery. Despite population shifts, uneven educational outcomes, ongoing wage and leadership inequities and persistent reports of burnout, Latinas reveal that their enduring optimism reported in previous HOPE and other research remains one of their greatest assets to overcoming adversity.

The day was also marked by the governor’s proclamation of May 4 as New York Latina History Day.

Key research findings include: 

Latinas in the state of New York were 10% of the total population and nearly 20% of the population of women in 2021. One in every four women in New York City is a Latina.While New York experienced a slight population decline, the Hispanic population continues to increase.

Persistent pay gap with regional disparities 

Latinas in New York were paid only 58 cents for every dollar earned by a White, non-Hispanic man in 2021, compared to 82 cents for White women.Latinas in New York City earned only 45 cents for every dollar earned by a White man, down 2 cents from 2010.In Manhattan (New York County) Latinas earn only 36 cents— a wage gap of 64 cents with White men.

Some progress for Latina high-income earners and employment rates

In New York, the percentage of Latinas earning more than $100,000 doubled from 2% to 4% between 2019 and 2021. (The figure rose at the national level from 1% to 3%.)The unemployment rate for Latinas in New York dropped to 5.5% in 2022, an improvement from 14.4% in 2020.

Entrepreneurship thrives among Latinas

Latina-owned employer businesses in New York generated nearly 34,000 jobs with an annual payroll of $1.2 billion, demonstrating their notable rates of entrepreneurial participation.The number of Latina-owned employer businesses in New York grew 11% between 2018 and 2020.

Educational attainment and barriers

The Latina public high school graduation rate in New York has steadily increased to 86% in 2022, narrowing the gap with the graduation rate for White women (94%) to its lowest level ever.The percentage of Hispanic students (24.7%) who took at least one AP course was almost half that of White students (43.5%).In New York 25.7% of all Latinas have a bachelor’s or post-graduate degree, higher than the national rate of 21.6%.

Download the full report and learn more about HOPE here: https://www.latinas.org/

PLAINFIELD, Ind., May 11, 2023 /3BL Media/ – The Duke Energy Foundation and the Indiana Economic Development Association (IEDA) Foundation today announced the release of a request for proposal (RFP) for a newly launched child care innovation grants program. More than $100,000 in funding will be made available to support organizations and projects focused on assessing and addressing child care gaps in Indiana communities.

In recent years, the cost of child care has skyrocketed, and the number of licensed child care providers has shrunk. These challenges have put a strain on working parents and their employers.

“A lack of affordable, high-quality child care options can serve as a barrier for businesses to recruit and retain employees,” said Erin Schneider, managing director of Midwest economic development for Duke Energy. “By partnering with Indiana communities to make investments in early child care, we can begin to address some of the workforce challenges that hinder job growth and economic development in the communities we serve.”

According to Indiana University’s Public Policy Institute and Early Learning Indiana, a lack of child care providers has had demonstrable effects on Indiana’s economy. According to their research, Indiana loses nearly $1.1 billion in economic activity every year due to child care-related absenteeism and employee turnover.

“If we want Hoosier families and businesses to succeed, we must begin to make investments to ensure that parents are able to access and afford early child care while working to support their families,” said Lee Lewellen, IEDA’s chief executive officer. “Through this first-of-its-kind grant program, we have an opportunity to provide financial support to communities that are willing to approach this challenge in new and innovative ways to give parents and employers the support they need.”

State and local government entities, local and regional economic development agencies, and public and private nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for grants of up to $40,000. Applicants must submit an intent to propose by April 17, 2023, and submit their grant proposal by May 8, 2023, in order to be considered. Awards will be announced this spring.

For a full description of the grant program, including requirements, eligibility and scoring criteria, visit ieda.org/foundation. For additional questions regarding the RFP, contact IEDA Chief Executive Officer Lee Lewellen at 317.313.8365 or llewellen@ieda.org.

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $2 million annually in charitable gifts to Indiana and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation.

Indiana Economic Development Association (IEDA)

IEDA is the voice of economic development for Indiana. Made up of economic developers, utilities, attorneys, consultants, financial institutions, higher education professionals, engineers, architects and construction professionals, our members are passionately dedicated to attracting and retaining jobs for the great people of Indiana.

Duke Energy: McKenzie Barbknecht
Phone: 800.559.3853
Email: mckenzie.barbknecht@duke-energy.com

IEDA: Lee Lewellen
Phone: 317.313.8365
Email: llewellen@ieda.org

View original content here.

In a challenging economic year, Vancity stayed focused on achieving its vision of a transformed economy that protects the earth and guarantees equity for all.

We have your back, Vancity’s 2022 Annual Report, can be viewed at vancity.com/AnnualReport.

Action on the climate crisis remains a high priority. Vancity issued its first climate report this year. It includes progress on both Vancity’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions across its loans and mortgages by 2040 and on meeting its Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) commitments. The climate report also includes disclosures on managing climate risks and opportunities, including through public policy advocacy, in alignment with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and detailed greenhouse gas emissions data and methodology.

Vancity’s annual reporting makes a point of showcasing impactful stories about its members and their communities.

Vancity uses its assets to create long-term value in communities, including providing essential services to people resettling in Canada, developing products and services that enable an equitable transition to a low-carbon economy, and directing financial capital to underserved groups.

Report highlights include:

Commitment to the Progressive Aboriginal Relations™ certification program
Named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers
Financed the construction or renovation of 3,666 units of affordable housing
Opened more than 1,700 Resettlement Assistance Program accounts for members coming mostly from Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine
Offered specialized grants focused on emissions-reducing retrofits to non-profit housing providers
Financed 617,024 square feet of energy-efficient buildings
Launched a support service called Home Energy Advice, to provide expert advice to help members reduce emissions
Grew total assets and assets under administration from $33.2 billion to $34.3 billion
Invested $16.8 million back into community through not-for-profit organizations and businesses

Vancity’s values-based banking model is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Vancity’s annual reporting was prepared in accordance with the International Integrated Reporting Framework, the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Reporting Standards, and applicable metrics of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). This is Vancity’s third public report on how it is living up to the UN Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB), and its first time having the PRB Self-Assessment externally assured.

About Vancity

Vancity is a values-based financial co-operative serving the needs of its more than 560,000 member owners and their communities, with offices and more than 50 branches located in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Squamish and Alert Bay, within the territories of the Coast Salish and Kwakwaka’wakw people. With $34 billion in assets plus assets under administration, Vancity is Canada’s largest community credit union. Vancity uses its assets to help improve the financial well-being of its members while at the same time helping to develop healthy communities that are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.

Contact

Media Relations  
Phone: 778-837-0394
mediarelations@vancity.com

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., May 11, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Direct Relief announced today that it received a donation of 2 million doses of generic medications for nonprofit healthcare providers in the U.S. and globally, thanks to the Association of Accessible Medicines’ (AAM) 4GRxANTED campaign.

Launched in February, the 4GRxANTED campaign invites people to record a video or share a story explaining who or what in their lives they take for granted. The generic pharmaceutical industry is participating in the 4GRxANTED campaign by donating its medicines to Direct Relief for patients in need.

“As the beneficiary of the 4GRxANTED campaign, Direct Relief is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with AAM and the generic pharmaceutical industry in supporting people and communities experiencing poverty or disasters,” said Tom Roane, Vice President of Corporate Engagement & Strategy at Direct Relief. “Access to high-quality generic medicines is a vital component for maintaining or restoring health, and Direct Relief greatly appreciates the generosity of participating generic pharmaceutical companies.”

Direct Relief, one of the largest charitable providers of medical products both in the U.S. and globally, has in the past 12 months supplied 2,464 nonprofit healthcare providers in 54 U.S. states and territories and over 90 countries with more than $1.8 billion (wholesale) in medical resources, much of which was donated by generic pharmaceutical manufacturers such as Accord, Apotex, Hikma, Sandoz, Teva, Viatris, among others.

“We have partnered with Direct Relief and the member companies of our industry to help shed light on the importance of generics and how access to these medicines is far too often taken for granted,” said Christine Baeder, Chief Operating Officer, Generics and Biosimilars, Teva USA, and Chair of AAM. “We hope that the 4GRxanted campaign will not only lead to increased donations of medicines where they are most needed, but also solidify public support for an industry that does so much to safeguard the health of our nation.”

“With 4GRxANTED, the latest campaign from the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM), the spotlight shines on the critical role generics and biosimilars play in our healthcare system and in our lives,” says Keren Haruvi, President of Sandoz Inc and board member of AAM.  “We are proud to support this initiative. As a society, we cannot afford to take this impact for granted any longer.”

The 4GRxANTED campaign will remain active throughout at least 2023, and videos can be submitted and shared through the microsite at https://4grxanted.org/ and distributed through the 4GRxANTED social media channels.

About Direct Relief  

Direct Relief, a humanitarian organization committed to improving the health and lives of people affected by poverty and emergencies, delivers lifesaving medical resources throughout the U.S. and world to communities in need—without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. For more information, visit https://www.DirectRelief.org.

About AAM 

AAM is driven by the belief that access to safe, quality, effective medicine has a tremendous impact on a person’s life and the world around them. Generic and biosimilar medicines improve people’s lives, improving society and the economy in turn. AAM represents the manufacturers and distributors of finished generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars, manufacturers and distributors of bulk pharmaceutical chemicals, and suppliers of other goods and services to the generic industry. Generic pharmaceuticals are 91 percent of prescriptions dispensed in the U.S. but only 18 percent of total drug spending. For more information, please visit https://accessiblemeds.org/

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 10, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Truist Foundation announced the launch of its second Inspire Awards Challenge, featuring a pitch and a capacity-building grant program for nonprofit organizations that are aiding entrepreneurs from undercapitalized communities. The second Inspire Awards Challenge spotlights how technology remains crucial for small business success, exploring how it can empower entrepreneurs to serve their constituents, adapt during economic disruptions, streamline operations, and build partnerships that strengthen the small business community.

The Inspire Awards Challenge, in collaboration with Solve— an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) dedicated to promoting innovative solutions to global problems, seeks nonprofit organizations with creative, tech-enabled solutions that address challenges faced by small business owners. From now until Aug. 7, 2023, qualifying nonprofits can submit applications through MIT Solve that answer the question, “What innovative, technology-based solution is your nonprofit implementing to create pathways to resiliency and sustainability for small businesses?”

“Truist Foundation is thrilled to bring back the Inspire Awards Challenge for a second year, as we see this initiative as a pathway to opening the aperture of our grantmaking pipeline to more innovative nonprofit organizations,” said Lynette Bell, president at Truist Foundation. “Through our collaboration with MIT Solve, we’re able to learn from and uplift the next generation of community-led solutions to build stronger ecosystems of support around small businesses nationwide.”

Truist Foundation and MIT Solve will conduct a six-month wraparound support program for a cohort of seven nonprofit finalists to help transform their groundbreaking ideas into tangible solutions. The program includes a comprehensive needs assessment, learning and development modules to help refine business plans, measurement training, access to a network of resource partners and coaches, and more leading up to the live event. Following the completion of the support program, the finalists will be invited to a live pitch event and ceremony where they will showcase their solutions. The first-place nonprofit will receive a $250,000 grant to actualize their project, while $150,000 grant goes to second place, and $25,000 grant to each of the runner-up teams. Plus, finalists are invited to a two-day Truist Leadership Institute Retreat and the annual flagship Solve at MIT event, held in May each year.

“Working with Truist Foundation to help extend the reach and support in the communities it serves has elevated talented nonprofit leaders and centered their efforts as key drivers to systemic change,” said Michelle King, portfolio lead, strategic & partner programs at MIT Solve. “At MIT Solve, we look forward to continuing our work in identifying innovators who are leveraging tech and can use this opportunity to catalyze their work.”

During the 2022 Truist Foundation Inspire Awards Challenge, more than 127 nonprofits applied, with 75% of the teams being led by women and half by Black leaders. Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative (AWBI) was named the top recipient of the inaugural Inspire Awards $250,000 grant. The grant supported AWBI’s 1,000 Black Businesses Campaign, which supports growth and scale of Black-owned enterprises through technical assistance, workforce development, research and data sharing, as well as advocacy and policy shaping.

“Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative is honored to be the inaugural winner of the Truist Foundation Inspire Award,” said Natasha Battle, program manager of grants and projects at AWBI. “The exposure from this recognition is allowing AWBI to leverage additional support and relationships, as well as accelerate our goal in supporting Black-owned businesses and building Black wealth.”

To learn more or apply, click here.

About Truist Foundation 
Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. Truist Foundation’s grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

SOURCE Truist Foundation

For further information: Kristen Fraser, Truist, kristen.fraser@truist.com

May 10, 2023 /3BL Media/ – To accelerate tech-based solutions to climate change, the RBC Foundation, through the RBC Tech for Nature program, will invest $1.5M in New Acre Project to support the application of novel technologies to quantify carbon sequestered from nature-based climate solutions produced on agricultural land. Quantification outcomes will inform the development of a verified bundled ecosystem credit issuable through New Acre Project.

New Acre Project is an ESG investment platform delivered by ALUS to help purpose-driven organizations strategically invest capital in nature-based climate solutions on agricultural land that generate positive environmental, economic and social outcomes in the communities where they do business. Nature-based climate solutions, like tree and shrub planting and wetland and grassland restoration, produce valuable ecosystem goods and services, like carbon sequestration, habitat creation, and water filtration to offset the effects of climate change and reverse biodiversity loss.

New Acre Project has been working with Albo Climate to recalibrate its remote sensing technology to quantify aboveground biomass from its tree and shrub planting projects, as well as soil organic carbon from grassland projects. New Acre Project is also working with EarthOptics’ proven sensor technology to quantify outcomes from enhanced grazing projects. The RBC Tech for Nature grant will support the continuation of this work.

“We are grateful to RBC Foundation for its support through the RBC Tech for Nature program,” says Mary-Ellen Anderson, Head of Special Projects and Innovation at ALUS. “Their investment advances ecosystem service valuation and will support the development of a bundled ecosystem credit that can help corporations reach net zero, improve water quality and enhance biodiversity effectively and transparently.”

The RBC Tech for Nature program supports tech-based solutions to climate change and the preservation of the world’s most valuable asset: its natural ecosystems. RBC Tech for Nature is a key component of RBC’s climate strategy, the RBC Blueprint, which outlines its commitment to clean economic growth and supporting its customers’ transition to a net-zero economy.

“Nature-based solutions have an important role to play in the climate transition, and we are pleased to work with organizations like ALUS that support farmers, communities, and the planet,” says Jennifer Livingstone, RBC Vice President, Climate. “Climate change and nature loss are interconnected challenges. It is important that we work together to accelerate innovation that advances progress on both fronts.”

This latest $1.5M contribution marks the fourth investment in New Acre Project by RBC Foundation, through RBC Tech for Nature, and underscores RBC’s commitment to building long-term partnerships to advance solutions to climate . In 2020, the RBC Tech for Nature program helped launch the robust digital architecture underpinning the New Acre Project platform with a multi-year investment of $340,500. This initial investment supported advanced data collection functionality and improved access to national nature restoration project inventories to inform efforts in building climate resilience.

About New Acre™ Project

New Acre™ Project, delivered by ALUS, helps purpose-driven corporations invest in nature-based solutions on agricultural land that generate positive environmental, economic and social outcomes in the communities where they operate—one acre at a time. By investing in New Acre Project, corporations can strategically allocate capital and customize their impact. Each New Acre investment delivers tangible, reliable and measurable outcomes by empowering farmers and ranchers to produce ecosystem goods and services, like carbon sequestration, water filtration and enhanced habitat, that increase biodiversity and help build climate resilience.

About RBC Foundation

To learn more about RBC Tech for Nature, visit: RBC.com/techfornature